Cardiff Kung Fu

We are the Cardiff Kung Fu Club and we teach Shaolin Gao Can Mun Nam-Pai-Chuan kung fu. We hope this site provides a description of our system as well as contacts for people interested in doing Shaolin kung fu. The classes are held at the Sport Wales National Centre at Sophia Gardens on Mondays and Thursdays from 8.00pm to 10.00pm. There is a free car park at the Sport Wales Centre for people using its facilities.

Cardiff Central Kung Fu Club has two black belt instructors Sifu Ryan Pace and Jack Ellis. The senior instructor Sifu Pace is a sixth degree black belt and has over 30 years of martial arts experience and Jack Ellis is a second degree black belt with over 10 years martial arts experience. If you are thinking of taking up kung fu then you are welcome to come along and take part in one of our sessions. Your second training session is FREE so why not take the opportunity to find out what we can offer. The classes cater for a wide variety of individuals whether your are a complete novice or have done martial arts before. If you are looking to keep fit, improve flexibility, learn self-defence and the art of kung fu then this is the class for you.

The name of our kung fu system is Shaolin Gaocan Mun Nam-Pai-Chuan (NPC), one of the styles in the rich and vast canopy of Chinese Martial Arts. NPC is a very broad style, incorporating all elements of true martial arts. Thus our system embodies many techniques: kicking, punching, locking (chin-na), take-downs, throws, nerve points, etc, in any combination with each other. This approach may not appeal to some, but we believe that you cannot hope to know which aspect of Martial Arts you wish to specialise in until you have a firm grounding in the general broad-based theory and practice of it.

Being a broad system, we are able to encompass many elements which could be seen as “styles” in their own right. We have a very rich weapons heritage, with eighteen traditional weapons taught in the system. In addition to this we have styles based upon the various animal forms prevalent in Chinese Martial Arts, such as Monkey, Tiger, Snake and Crane forms, to name but a few.

Having said that we are more than just a physical manifestation of Martial Arts. Breathing exercises (chi-gung) play an important role in our system, helping with internal conditioning through control of the body’s chi (energy or life force).

We have also recognised that women’s self-defence has its own needs and requirements. Therefore, our classes incorporate elements of self-defence that to support women and give women confidence and skills to defend themselves if they were put in an unfavourable situation, more so than they would have if they had never been taught the techniques that we teach in our class. This is an essential element of our system.

Teaching philosophy
First and foremost, we are a Martial Art not a sport. Hence, we accord it the respect due to a Martial Art. Students are expected to obey certain rules of courtesy and good behaviour. We teach Chinese Martial Arts in a traditional and sincere manner, but with constant regard to practical requirements. Whilst we do not propose to ignore tradition and aesthetics just to be practical, neither do we wish to be slaves to tradition and disregard practical purposes and situations.

Come and train with us
You are always welcome to join us in training at any time during the year. Initially, you may train in jogging bottoms and a t-shirt. Jewellery should not be worn and those items which cannot be removed (e.g. rings) should be taped over. You can train bare foot or with trainers. You may also use headbands and wristbands if it helps you and those with long hair should have it tied up. Whether you would like to train or watch the class, come and join us as the learning of Chinese Kung Fu is an ongoing process with no well-defined start.

We look forward to meeting you so if you like to train with us, learn new skills, meet new friends and get fit, please use the contact details on our contact page.

Recognition and insurance
Nam-Pai-Chuan has been taught in the United Kingdom since 1979. We are a member of the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts (BCCMA) in the United Kingdom. Through the BCCMA we provide comprehensive insurance for all our students and instructors.

How long do you need to train before you become competent?
This is very subjective since “competence” is a relative term. However, a student who trains diligently twice a week for six months will begin to feel physical and spiritual benefit. Those who train for a year should be better equipped to defend himself or herself in most circumstances. Still learning just the “moves” is not the main objective, because apart from that, Martial Arts help you to develop your character and ability to focus, improving confidence and humility.

What are our students and classes like?
Our members come from all races, countries and creeds. About 40% of our students are female and we teach adults and children alike. Each class will differ depending on its composition and upon the instructor’s teaching. During our classes, we will do our utmost to ensure your safety. Our instructors are very dedicated individuals with a fine sense of control over the class.

Consistent factors in many of our classes will be limbering, stretching, conditioning and breathing exercises which take up to forty minutes of a two hour session. We then teach the basic techniques of our kung fu system including traditional Chinese Classical Forms or sequences, pad work and self-defence.

This may at first glance appear to require a certain amount of aggression and energy, especially for beginners, but we believe one needs to understand the nature of energy and the best way to do so is to feel it yourself. It also allows you to understand your physical “Centre”. As in the traditional Chinese Martial Arts tradition, our students frequently train in pairs, allowing you to actually practice a technique, without being confused by abstract mental concepts.

Development and progression within our kung fu system
Grading examinations are held every 3 months. At certain times of each term, we will pay special attention towards preparing students for the grading examinations. Those who progress to black belt rank may then be eligible for Assistant Instructors’ and Instructors’ qualification courses. Upon qualification, you will be entitled to teach Nam-Pai-Chuan under the licensing agreements that exist for the control of proper standards and the promotion of the Art.

Why do Shaolin Nam Pai-Chuan kung fu?
We aim to provide martial arts training in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere where students and adults, learn practical self-defence techniques, make new friends, and get fit. We will provide students with the opportunity to learn and practice traditional Shaolin Martial Arts and Chi Gung.

NPC allows us to become better people. Students will develop an increase in awareness, self-confidence, become more tolerant and patient, have integrity in their abilities and become more disciplined. This is one of the true benefits of a traditional martial art.

Our qualified instructors are dedicated individuals who will ensure training is carried in a safe manner and help everyone to fulfil their physical and mental martial art potential.